Year: 2020 (Page 1 of 2)

Do you have dreams of travelling solo? If so, Europe is definitely the continent for you.

Europe is incredibly well connected, with fantastic public transport links that make getting from A to B a breeze. Moreover, the European tourism infrastructure is famously robust meaning that there are a variety of different types of accommodation to meet all budgets.

Whether you are renting a private jet or travelling by a commercial plane, Europe can welcome you in ways you have not imagined. Moreover, with plenty of airports (both commercial and private), you can easily choose your favourite destination and arrive in utmost luxury. However, Europe is such a large continent that choosing where to visit can seem overwhelming at first. So, let us discover 9 excellent destinations for first-time solo travellers in Europe.

1. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland is a must-see for solo travellers. With its lush greenery and bustling streets, Dublin has everything you could possibly need to build your confidence as a solo traveller. Celebrated for their welcoming nature, the Irish know how to have a good time. Furthermore, hotspots like Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, and The Cliffs of Moher all need to be seen to be believed.

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Despite its reputation for cannabis culture and prostitution, the Dutch capital has so much more to offer solo travellers. Fewer people are travelling there for cannabis, especially since it has been legalized and is available from companies like Oregrown Cannon Beach situated, and instead are interested in the high culture that can be found there. Although of course, some people like to enjoy the culture with a little cannabis. So if people are missing their recreational marijuana redmond grown, then there are of course plenty of spots that you are able to find it. And if they are planning to purchase some recreational marijuana, then they will probably need the accessories to consume the herb. However, if they have forgotten to bring their accessories with them, then they can purchase some (like a bougie glass or a Honeycomb dab rig) from webshops like Kings Pipes. Webshops like the one mentioned above are known to ship affordable cannabis accessories across the world quickly. So, travelers need not worry about any delay in shipping.
Besides cannabis, Amsterdam truly is the place to be for art lovers. Hit up the Van Gogh museum to see the iconic sunflower paintings in person, or head to the Rijksmuseum to learn about the influential work of Rembrandt van Rijn.

3. Budapest, Hungary

As the capital city of Hungary, Budapest is made up of 3 unified cities. The city itself blends historical context with a relaxed contemporary art vibe. With museums and thermal spas in abundance, there is plenty to keep first-time solo travellers busy in Budapest.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a hugely popular destination for young people travelling solo. With plenty of amusement parks like Tivoli Gardens and shopping opportunities in Strøget, and an unrivalled nightlife scene, being bored in Copenhagen is simply not an option. Be sure to pay the controversial Little Mermaid statue on Langelinie promenade a visit.

5. Paris, France

Although known worldwide as the city of romance, there is plenty to keep solo travellers happy in Paris. Strolling down the Champs-Élysées, exploring the Louvre, or just visiting a boutique Parisienne café are all unique ways to pass the time. You might even want to book a stay in a boutique hotel in Saint Germain for an extra taste of luxury and opulence.

6. Edinburgh, Scotland

Fan of all things cultural? The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world. The greats of music, comedy, and theatre all come together for this whirlwind event each August. The Fringe to one side, this hilly coastal city truly has it all. You can head on a bus tour or see some of the sights of Scotland at your own pace by navigating the unique closes of the Old Town.

7. Vienna, Austria

Lovingly referred to as the city of music, if you crave sophisticated storytelling of the opera, there are few better destinations than the Vienna State Opera. Going to a show alone is a rite of passage for first-time solo travellers. Similarly, with Baroque and Gothic designed buildings, Art Nouveau homes, and contemporary buildings all seamlessly blending into one impressive whole, Vienna is a paradise for architecture lovers.

8. Berlin, Germany

Not sure whether you want to go somewhere more contemporary or historic? Berlin has the best of both. That being said, all solo visitors to Berlin should make time for a trip to the East Side Gallery. This open-air gallery consists of a series of murals painted directly on a remnant of the Berlin Wall, located near the centre of Berlin, on Mühlenstraße in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg.

9. London, England

London, the capital city of the UK and England is one of the most diverse cities in the world. For solo visits, a ride on the London Eye can help you to find panoramic views of the city. Aside from the hub of central London where you can find the Tower of London, the National Gallery, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, London is well connected to other UK cities through its transport links making it easy for you to reach your next destination.

Ultimately, when choosing your next solo destination, take some time to think about whether you want to visit an activity filled city, or somewhere with a slightly slower pace of life. Above all, while most European destinations are safe and welcoming, it is still crucial that you stay alert as travelling solo can sometimes feel more vulnerable when compared to travelling as part of a group.

Taking out travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself from expensive holiday disasters including cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost possessions. Bad luck can strike at any time and therefore if you are travelling solo it is perhaps even more important to have a travel insurance policy on your side than if you were on a group trip.

However, not everyone understands why travel insurance is so important for solo travellers. Put simply, if you do not buy travel insurance, you will be financially responsible for paying for anything that goes wrong. Even a simple medical procedure can turn into an expensive ordeal that can eat into your holiday funds. By taking out travel insurance, you can claim most common expenses back.

So, let us discover some of the main benefits of taking out travel insurance before your next solo trip.

1. Cancellation Cover

Life is unpredictable. You can never be sure about what might be around the corner, and almost everyone has had to cancel or drop out of a major event at some point in their life due to circumstances that were out of their control.

Consequently, most travel insurance policies cover cancellations beginning from the moment your premium has been paid for. Cancellation cover can be used to cover any prepaid costs for accommodation, transport, or car hire that cannot be recuperated from other sources in the event that you are unable to go on your solo trip.

If you are responsible for any dependents such as elderly relatives, or young children, there is always a chance that you might have to drop out of your trip for an unexpected reason to fulfil your duties of care. Therefore, if you are concerned that you might have to cancel your trip, it can be useful to work out how much you will need to spend on non-refundable costs.

If your trip is covered by a money back guarantee, or if any non-refundable deposits are relatively small, then any cancellation costs or interruption coverage should not be anything too serious to worry about. That being said, quite often travel insurance might only cost as little as 8% of your total trip costs and could turn out to be a valuable safeguard.

2. Medical Emergency Expenses

Getting injured or falling ill while travelling solo is not only incredibly unlucky, but it can also turn out to be a costly experience. This is particularly true if you need urgent medical attention abroad. Communicating with foreign doctors can be incredibly stressful and you will almost always need to pay for some or all of your treatment.

With this in mind, most travel insurance policies include medical expenses cover. Policies can vary dramatically, but typical examples of coverage include full or partial payment of any emergency medical treatment, as well as a contribution towards the cost of getting you back home if medically necessary.

Just remember to consider any pre-existing medical conditions before travelling solo as some insurance policies will include a stability clause to limit your coverage entitlements. You might even want to speak to your insurer about any pre-existing health conditions to find the best insurance policy for your needs.

Additionally, if your solo trip is going to include high-risk activities such as scuba diving, mountain climbing, snorkelling, or zip-lining, you need to check that these activities are covered. Again, be sure to ascertain the exact terms of your insurance to ensure that you are protected.

3. Loss, Theft, and Damage of Baggage and Personal Effects

Being separated from your belongings is always a highly traumatic experience regardless of whether you are travelling solo or as part of a group. However, if your bags are lost temporarily or permanently, and if you do not have a friend or relative to depend on for spare clothing, your plans can become significantly dampened.

Luggage gets sent to the wrong destination surprisingly often and it is no secret that the luggage carousels at airports make it incredibly easy for someone to take your bags by mistake. Having to fork out for new clothes and personal items can eat into your travelling time and your finances, but if you take out travel insurance then you can be reimbursed for these expenses.

As a solo traveller taking out travel insurance can also help you to freeze your bank cards and gain access to emergency cash if your cards are stolen. Any unauthorized transactions not covered by your card agreement can also be reimbursed.

Furthermore, no one likes to think too much about the possibility of being robbed while travelling solo. Nevertheless, it is reassuring to know that you can get access to money to pay for basic food and shelter if you need to.

Ultimately, taking out travel insurance can cover the vast majority of any unexpected costs that a solo traveller might encounter before, during, and after a trip. Above all, insuring your next trip can help you to relax and to freely enjoy new places without having to worry about what might happen if disaster strikes.

As a solo traveller, finding accommodation can be expensive. Single supplements can really eat away at your travel budget and therefore finding ways to keep your costs down is vital.

However, there are some wonderful and highly affordable accommodation options out there that are perfect for solo travellers. So, let us discover 5 of the best types of accommodation for solo travellers.

1. Hotels

When travelling solo, booking a hotel room provides a little bit of luxury for you to retreat to after a long day exploring. That being said, it is no secret that the infamous single supplement can prove to be costly.

Nevertheless, there are some amazing hotels that now offer single occupancy rooms. Although much more common in Europe than in North America, single rooms might be small, but they usually offer all the same amenities as any other type of room.

Whereas sometimes a single room simply refers to a room with a single bed, there are some hotels that allow you to choose a double or queen-sized bed. Therefore, it is important to do your research so that you know exactly what to expect and for how much. You can either look online for mission bay hotels if that is your travel destination or consider asking friends and family for recommendations if they have visited the city before. Online exploration could also get you deals, offers, and discounts on hotels and resorts.

Some hotels even offer incentives for solo travellers like free breakfasts and snacks. This can help you to save money when compared to eating in cafes and restaurants.

2. Hostels

A hostel is a type of shared accommodation. Hostels are inexpensive, social, decorated simply, and are usually located centrally.

Most hostels have a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and lockers. This ensures that you have somewhere to sleep, to freshen up, to prepare food, and to keep your belongings safe.

As with other forms of accommodation, some hostels are more luxurious than others, meaning that while some offer total privacy, others provide a more sociable experience. To ensure a decent stay experience in any type of hostel, it’s crucial that they maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Many hostels recognize this and choose to hire cleaning companies that offer commercial cleaning services in Maryland, or in their vicinity to provide thorough cleaning services. This commitment to cleanliness contributes to a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all guests, regardless of their preferences for privacy or sociability. So, depending on whether you are travelling to relax or to party, there is sure to be a hostel that meets your needs.

3. Airbnb

For solo travellers booking an Airbnb might just be the most affordable option. In case you were not aware, an Airbnb is a type of homestay that usually involves staying in the home of a local person for a short period of time. However, Airbnb has evolved to offer a wide range of accommodation types, from entire homes and apartments to private rooms, shared spaces, and even unique stays like treehouses, boats, and tiny homes. With thousands of listings across the globe, Airbnb provides a diverse array of options catering to different preferences and budgets.

Correspondingly, if you love to meet people from different cultures and areas, then an Airbnb hosted by a local resident can be an excellent choice, allowing you to immerse yourself in their way of life and gain valuable cultural insights. However, for those seeking a more hands-off experience or additional services, there are properties managed by professional Air BNB Property Management companies. These companies specialize in overseeing and maintaining Airbnb listings, ensuring a seamless and consistent experience for guests. From handling check-in and check-out processes to providing regular cleaning and maintenance services, they aim to create a hassle-free stay for travelers.

4. Cruise Ship

If you are travelling solo, then a cabin in a cruise ship could be the ideal solution to your accommodation needs. Cruises are incredibly convenient as they allow you to visit multiple countries, cities, and towns without needing to pack up your things and move on.

If relaxation and exploring at your own pace are important to you, then a trip on a cruise ship might just be calling your name. Plus, most cruise companies offer single cabins at a reduced rate so be sure to shop around to find a cabin that caters to a solo traveller.

Cruises provide plenty of opportunities to mingle with other guests such as dining halls and live entertainment. Comparatively, if you have come away to escape the business of everyday life for a while then you can also enjoy plenty of alone time in your cabin or in other areas of the ship.

5. Couchsurfing

Do you have family and friends all over the world? If so, and if you are planning to travel alone, then why not consider couch-surfing?

Simply plan your trip around when your hosts are able to accommodate you and if you are really lucky, or if someone owns you a favour, you might not even have to pay your way. Just remember to be a respectful guest and never overstay your welcome.

Ultimately by taking your time to plan your next solo trip carefully, you can find the right accommodation for your needs at the best possible price. Above all, be sure to do your research and you should be able to enjoy your travels without having to worry too much about where you might be spending the night.

Solo travelling is something I enjoy so much that I wanted to share with you some of my favourite budget travel destinations. There are so many fantastic travel options for solo travellers that sometimes it can be a bit confusing knowing which destination is actually good value for money. Today, I hope to inspire you all to start planning your next solo adventure without absolutely destroying your bank balance.

Best Budget Asian Destination: Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is such a beautiful city with such a rich culture and heritage. Seoul is one of the big tech cities of the world with some of the fastest internet anywhere in the world. With one of the first cities in the world to introduce 1 gbps internet speeds. If you are interested, Seoul is well-known for its strong and competitive esports scene. There are events where you can go and watch your favourite players, or participate in esports betting if you want a piece of the action yourself. For more active travellers among us, there are plenty of beaches, mountains, and other great physical activities to partake in.

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Anyway, talking about the city, this beautiful place is surprisingly affordable. 1 US dollar is about 1,100 South Korean Won (at the time of writing this). I find it easier to do the math by just thinking that the conversion rate is more like 1,000 Won to the dollar. It makes things a lot simpler for me anyway. In my experience, Seoul is about 10%-15% cheaper than Toronto (another awesome city worth visiting if you have the money) and 30%-35% less than New York City. There are tons of cheap accommodation as well so you will not struggle to find a comfortable place to stay during your visit.

Best Budget Caribbean Destination: Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a vibrant Caribbean destination that is in a sweet spot cost-wise, for those who are looking for an authentic Caribbean travel experience. With all the hot weather and beaches, you would expect from such an experience. It was recently hit by a nasty hurricane but currently it has rebuilt up enough to be back in business for tourists.

I am so glad that I get to share this location with the budget travelling community now because when I explored Puerto Rico it was magical. There is a great mix of Spanish, Indian and African influences which oozes out of everything the people of Puerto Rico do. It is a multiculturalists dream. So if your only remaining question is “do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?” – the answer is yes!

You will be even happier when you learn how cheap it is to enjoy as well. In my experience it is about 5%-10% cheaper than Toronto and 40% cheaper than New York City. There are a massive range of centrally situated hotels that you can find for around $90 (at the time of writing) so depending where you look you might be able to find a better deal. Which means you will get so much bang for your buck in this Caribbean adventure.

Best Budget European Destinations: Slovenia and Cumbria

Slovenia is one of my favourite places to visit full stop, but it just so happens to be cheap to visit as well. I think this is because I am a big lover of the Austrian, Italian cultural mix. That is how I would describe Slovenia. They have such emotive ballads; I remember listening to them last summer. Their music is mesmerising. They have wonderful lakes and mountains too that are perfect for hiking up and around with some of their lovely ballads playing in the distance. Or probably more likely on my phone.

Besides that, Cumbria is yet another of the top rural excursions that served as the basis for some of Beatrix Potter’s most well-known stories. The tallest mountains in England are located in the National Park, which is a designated world heritage site. Another option is to take a traditional riverboat tour, which is the ideal way to explore tranquil lakes. Adventure activities like off-ride driving, which are offered by companies like Graythwaite Adventure, are a good choice for adrenaline enthusiasts. Additionally, visitors can engage in water sports at the second-largest lake in England, the Lake District National Park. Mountain biking through the national park is an additional option for a whole family vacation.

The US dollar is doing well again the Euro now with the conversion rating looking something like 1 Euro being equal to about $1.15 US. Back in 2013, it could easily cost you $1.50 for 1 Euro in some places. Judging from my time spent in England, it could cost around 30%-40% less to live in than Toronto. Accommodation lines up with that as well, with a ton of affordable options for those looking to stay in the city. You can expect to pay around $20 US a night in most budget hotels.

To conclude, there are so many great options for your fellow global trotters out there. Travelling does not have to be as expensive as some might think it is. I have been able to travel so much over the years by keeping an eye out for places that provide a lot of value for as little as possible. There is so much more to explore and I cannot wait to get out there and find more exciting budget travel destinations to visit.